Daypack Questions

Question:

Hubby and I do primarily car camping in state park campgrounds.  We're planning to upgrade a bit from hanging around the campsite reading to doing a bit of hiking (light keep-to-the-trail-type).  (I'm in my early 30s but not very active in general, so this is a big step up for me.) What are the advantages that a fancy schmancy (i.e. expensive) daypack can provide us over a generic (decently constructed) carry-your-books-around-college-campus backpack? We'd probably be carrying water, lunch, maybe a book or two and something to sit on, camera and/or binoculars, first aid kit including blister stuff (just in case)... Thanks! Caren Pelletier -- "Space science is earth science." -- Kim Stanley Robinson (author of "Red Mars", "Green Mars", and "Blue Mars"), in a speech to the Second International Mars Society Convention, Boulder, August 1999. Ask me about sending a manned mission to Mars! www.marssociety.org

Response:

General campus-style bookpack would be adequate for simple dayhikes, but a real Day Pack offers the following advantages: * Usually has pockets for water bottles (preferably quart bottles), allowing easy access, and you don't have to worry about them tipping over inside your pack, etc. * Usually has hip and sternum straps to distribute the weight to different places of your body, and make the load a bit more manageable. * Usually have extra lash on points, so that you can lash on extra gear to the outside of the pack if needed (such as a daisy chain down the middle, or an ice axe loop which can be used for things other than an ice axe) * Usually have compression straps, to cince the bag down to manage extremely light or heavy loads. For example, I've got the LL Bean Woodlands day pack, which offers all of the above, and was an excellent bargain at $45 (although, I think that was a clearance price from $65 because they were introducing a new color line).  It is a 2000 cubic inch pack, and suits me quite well, and is usually too large, in that I have a lot of extra space, but still have the extra space whenever I might need it in the future.  Jansport also makes some good Day Packs in this price range, the Catamount comes to mind, plus a few others. I'm also saving to buy the Marmot Walkabout, which holds two quart water bottles, and is a lumbar pack, (no shoulder straps), about 700 cubic inches for less-involved dayhikes, it runs about $59 at our local outdoors stoor. Check out LL Bean at www.llbean.com, our REI at www.rei.com, or Campmor at www.campmor.com for a listing of available Day Packs and features, I think you'll find a wide assortment of 'fancy schmancy' affordable (not expensive) packs ranging from $25 to $75 dollars. Hope this helps some, Regards, Van Dayhikes Across Kentucky and Indiana http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Forest/9792/ - Hide quoted text -- Show quoted text - >Hubby and I do primarily car camping in state park campgrounds.  We're >planning to upgrade a bit from hanging around the campsite reading to >doing a bit of hiking (light keep-to-the-trail-type).  (I'm in my early >30s but not very active in general, so this is a big step up for me.) >What are the advantages that a fancy schmancy (i.e. expensive) daypack >can provide us over a generic (decently constructed) >carry-your-books-around-college-campus backpack? >We'd probably be carrying water, lunch, maybe a book or two and >something to sit on, camera and/or binoculars, first aid kit including >blister stuff (just in case)... >Thanks! >Caren Pelletier

Response:

to be short and sweet, three factors that will relate to cost: Quality Comfort Features.. Penny - Hide quoted text -- Show quoted text - >What are the advantages that a fancy schmancy (i.e. expensive) daypack >can provide us over a generic (decently constructed) >carry-your-books-around-college-campus backpack? >We'd probably be carrying water, lunch, maybe a book or two and >something to sit on, camera and/or binoculars, first aid kit including >blister stuff (just in case)... >Thanks! >Caren Pelletier >-- >"Space science is earth science." -- Kim Stanley Robinson (author of >"Red Mars", "Green Mars", and "Blue Mars"), in a speech to the Second >International Mars Society Convention, Boulder, August 1999. >Ask me about sending a manned mission to Mars! >www.marssociety.org

Response:

>What are the advantages that a fancy schmancy (i.e. expensive) daypack >can provide us over a generic (decently constructed) >carry-your-books-around-college-campus backpack?

More expensive packs are generally built for specialty use (e.g., loops for hanging climbing gear, compression straps for stabalizing the load while trail running, special pockets for snow shovels, ice axes, etc.).  For easy day hiking, the cheapest packs will mostly do fine. Padded shoulder straps will make a heavy load more comfortable, but this isn't a big deal for light loads.  A waist strap will keep the load from shifting if you need to scramble off trail.  Heavier fabric will be a little more durable. -- Ken Lee, http://www.rahul.net/kenton/

Response:

Caren, Your generic (decently constructed) carry-your-books-around-college-campus backpack will probably do just fine.  Don't go out and buy one of those "fancy schmancy (i.e. expensive) daypacks".  At least not in the beginning. In your own words, you stated that, "(I'm in my early 30s but not very active in general, so this is a big step up for me."  This may also mean that you won't continue in the future or that if you do light to moderate walking, hiking or whatever you call it, that your normal day pack will carry everything you need. Later if you really get into it, then you can consider buying one of those more expensive packs, there is no reason to buy it first to see if you even like hiking...

- Hide quoted text -- Show quoted text -> Hubby and I do primarily car camping in state park campgrounds.  We're > planning to upgrade a bit from hanging around the campsite reading to > doing a bit of hiking (light keep-to-the-trail-type).  (I'm in my early > 30s but not very active in general, so this is a big step up for me.) > What are the advantages that a fancy schmancy (i.e. expensive) daypack > can provide us over a generic (decently constructed) > carry-your-books-around-college-campus backpack? > We'd probably be carrying water, lunch, maybe a book or two and > something to sit on, camera and/or binoculars, first aid kit including > blister stuff (just in case)... > Thanks! > Caren Pelletier > -- > "Space science is earth science." -- Kim Stanley Robinson (author of > "Red Mars", "Green Mars", and "Blue Mars"), in a speech to the Second > International Mars Society Convention, Boulder, August 1999. > Ask me about sending a manned mission to Mars! > www.marssociety.org

Response:

I would definately suggest that you get a day pack with a waist strap.  If you get one that has shoulder straps only you will not enjoy your hiking experience with sore shoulders.  Get one that allows you to put most of the pack weight on your hips and NOT your shoulders.  I think it is a good idea to do things right the first time.  I learned the hard way by buying inexpensive shoes and backpack and wound up with black toenails and sore shoulders.  It may cost a little more initially but it is cheaper than buying the same equipment twice.  If you don't like hiking at least you have something worthwhile to give to someone else. - Hide quoted text -- Show quoted text - > Caren, > Your generic (decently constructed) carry-your-books-around-college-campus > backpack > will probably do just fine.  Don't go out and buy one of those "fancy > schmancy (i.e. expensive) > daypacks".  At least not in the beginning. > In your own words, you stated that, "(I'm in my early 30s but not very > active in general, > so this is a big step up for me."  This may also mean that you won't > continue in the future > or that if you do light to moderate walking, hiking or whatever you call it, > that your normal > day pack will carry everything you need. > Later if you really get into it, then you can consider buying one of those > more expensive packs, > there is no reason to buy it first to see if you even like hiking... > Hubby and I do primarily car camping in state park campgrounds.  We're > planning to upgrade a bit from hanging around the campsite reading to > doing a bit of hiking (light keep-to-the-trail-type).  (I'm in my early > 30s but not very active in general, so this is a big step up for me.) > What are the advantages that a fancy schmancy (i.e. expensive) daypack > can provide us over a generic (decently constructed) > carry-your-books-around-college-campus backpack? > We'd probably be carrying water, lunch, maybe a book or two and > something to sit on, camera and/or binoculars, first aid kit including > blister stuff (just in case)... > Thanks! > Caren Pelletier > -- > "Space science is earth science." -- Kim Stanley Robinson (author of > "Red Mars", "Green Mars", and "Blue Mars"), in a speech to the Second > International Mars Society Convention, Boulder, August 1999. > Ask me about sending a manned mission to Mars! > www.marssociety.org

Response:

- Hide quoted text -- Show quoted text -> This strap will not transfer >any weight to the hips. Instead, it reduces pack sway while walking, >and reduces pack shift while reaching, leaping, and swinging from >branches. > I find my strap rides up when I swing from branches. No problem going > from tree to tree on a vine, but those branches play hell.

Response:

>> I stick with my recommendation.   Get a pack with padded waist strap that > can support most of the weight. >But you need more than a waist strap to put most of the weight on your >hips.  You need some some sort of stiffening to transfer the weight to the >belt.  

Not really.  just stuff the stuff down there, it'll transfer the wt. just fine. >It also helps if the pack is long enough so the the shoulder straps >(or load lifters) are at or above shoulder height.  If below the >shoulders, then they can't keep the pack from tilting back without pulling >down as well.  This means a pack in the 2000+ cubic inch size.

It's hard to find a pack with a decent belt that isn't 2600+ ci. >The other way to keep the weight on your hips is with a fanny or lumber >pack.  These are designed from base up to put the weight on your hips, and >to keep it stable.  

There you go. IMHO if you need more than a lumbar pack you should go jump to a pack that will allow most of the wt. to be transferred to your waist. The ones I have seen run around $80.00.  Mine is a Jansport Tahoma II, REI and EMS both make similar packs. >For heavier loads, a light shoulder harness is still >helpful for stabilizing the lumbar pack (Ultimate Directions makes a nice >add on harness).  Diagonal straps such as the 'delta straps' on >MountainSmiths also help pull the top of a lumbar pack into your back. >Paul

Robert

Response:

I strongly recommend a daypack with the following features: Waist Strap:  Will keep the bottom of the back from bouncing with each step -- the bouncing over a period of time will beat you to death. Sternum Strap:  This keeps the shoulder harnesses where they belong, on the shoulders and not sliding outward over time.  My newest daypack has this feature and I will never buy a daypack without it again. Vented Side Pockets Capable of Holding 2 Quarts Of Water Balanced:  That is pockets on each side -- this one is probably obvious.  Capacity to carry one gallon of water allows you to explore parks or trails at length, even under hot and dry conditions. Loops, Fasteners, Expanders:  In case you want to attach something externally. Capacity from 600 to 1000 cubic inches.  If you do foul weather, or cold weather day hiking you will need the capacity for clothing.  Even if you do summer hiking the extra capacity allows you to carry a light blanket for sitting on the ground, etc. etc. etc. You can find a good pack with these features made from quality material for under $50.  We have Jansports that we use in the field that have all of these features and we paid $45 for.  I am embarrassed to admit we didn't support our own store -- we bought the company equipment from Campmor. You can visit our web site for a really good article on "the essential equipment for day hiking."  We list 12 "must haves" and 11 "it would be nice." -- Take the -pants- off to e-mail David Obelcz http://www.outdoorplaces.com Your hiking, camping, paddling, travel place. Visit the Outdoor eStore at OutdoorPlaces.Com for great deals on gear and equipment.  5% of all gross profits go to non-profit environmental organizations. Register at OutdoorPlaces.Com for a chance to win a trip to the National Park of your choice, a Garmin GPS, or other great prizes. - Hide quoted text -- Show quoted text - >Caren, >Your generic (decently constructed) carry-your-books-around-college-campus >backpack >will probably do just fine.  Don't go out and buy one of those "fancy >schmancy (i.e. expensive) >daypacks".  At least not in the beginning. >In your own words, you stated that, "(I'm in my early 30s but not very >active in general, >so this is a big step up for me."  This may also mean that you won't >continue in the future >or that if you do light to moderate walking, hiking or whatever you call it, >that your normal >day pack will carry everything you need. >Later if you really get into it, then you can consider buying one of those >more expensive packs, >there is no reason to buy it first to see if you even like hiking... > Hubby and I do primarily car camping in state park campgrounds.  We're > planning to upgrade a bit from hanging around the campsite reading to > doing a bit of hiking (light keep-to-the-trail-type).  (I'm in my early > 30s but not very active in general, so this is a big step up for me.) > What are the advantages that a fancy schmancy (i.e. expensive) daypack > can provide us over a generic (decently constructed) > carry-your-books-around-college-campus backpack? > We'd probably be carrying water, lunch, maybe a book or two and > something to sit on, camera and/or binoculars, first aid kit including > blister stuff (just in case)... > Thanks! > Caren Pelletier > -- > "Space science is earth science." -- Kim Stanley Robinson (author of > "Red Mars", "Green Mars", and "Blue Mars"), in a speech to the Second > International Mars Society Convention, Boulder, August 1999. > Ask me about sending a manned mission to Mars! > www.marssociety.org

Response:

> I stick with my recommendation.   Get a pack with padded waist strap that > can support most of the weight.

But you need more than a waist strap to put most of the weight on your hips.  You need some some sort of stiffening to transfer the weight to the belt.  It also helps if the pack is long enough so the the shoulder straps (or load lifters) are at or above shoulder height.  If below the shoulders, then they can't keep the pack from tilting back without pulling down as well.  This means a pack in the 2000+ cubic inch size. The other way to keep the weight on your hips is with a fanny or lumber pack.  These are designed from base up to put the weight on your hips, and to keep it stable.  For heavier loads, a light shoulder harness is still helpful for stabilizing the lumbar pack (Ultimate Directions makes a nice add on harness).  Diagonal straps such as the 'delta straps' on MountainSmiths also help pull the top of a lumbar pack into your back. Paul

Response:

>I would definately suggest that you get a day pack with a waist strap.  If >you get one that has shoulder straps only you will not enjoy your hiking >experience with sore shoulders.  Get one that allows you to put most of the >pack weight on your hips and NOT your shoulders.

I think this is overkill if you're carrying under 20 pounds.  I have a serious hip belt on my camping backpack (30-50 pound loads), but only a light waist strap on my day pack.  The day pack waist strap carries no weight, it just keeps the pack from shifting around when I'm rock scrambling.  My shoulders do not get sore with my typical 10 pound day load.  Only the largest day packs have serious hip belts and I think these are much too large (heavy, bulky, expensive) for most day hikers. >I think it is a good idea >to do things right the first time.  I learned the hard way by buying >inexpensive shoes and backpack and wound up with black toenails and sore >shoulders.  It may cost a little more initially but it is cheaper than >buying the same equipment twice.

I agree that good shoes (good means good fitting more than anything else) are much more important than a good pack.  The rest of your day hiking equipment is less important. -- Ken Lee, http://www.rahul.net/kenton/

Response:

I stick with my recommendation.   Get a pack with padded waist strap that can support most of the weight.   Most beginner hikers are not going to merely carry 10 pounds in their pack.  They are more likely to carry as much as the pack will hold - including the kitchen sink if possible until they learn what to pack just the essentials for the particular hikes they are doing.   This is especially true if hiking with wife, significant other or kids.   Why get off to a negative experience with cheap, inadequate equipment.  This may even be a good idea for kids' "School Packs".  I recently read about problems some kids are having carying heavy loads of books with the cheapie packs.

- Hide quoted text -- Show quoted text ->I would definately suggest that you get a day pack with a waist strap. If >you get one that has shoulder straps only you will not enjoy your hiking >experience with sore shoulders.  Get one that allows you to put most of the >pack weight on your hips and NOT your shoulders. > I think this is overkill if you're carrying under 20 pounds.  I have a > serious hip belt on my camping backpack (30-50 pound loads), but only a > light waist strap on my day pack.  The day pack waist strap carries no > weight, it just keeps the pack from shifting around when I'm rock > scrambling.  My shoulders do not get sore with my typical 10 pound day > load.  Only the largest day packs have serious hip belts and I think these > are much too large (heavy, bulky, expensive) for most day hikers. >I think it is a good idea >to do things right the first time.  I learned the hard way by buying >inexpensive shoes and backpack and wound up with black toenails and sore >shoulders.  It may cost a little more initially but it is cheaper than >buying the same equipment twice. > I agree that good shoes (good means good fitting more than anything else) > are much more important than a good pack.  The rest of your day hiking > equipment is less important. > -- > Ken Lee, http://www.rahul.net/kenton/

Response:

... > a day pack with a waist strap.  If > you get one that has shoulder straps only you will not enjoy your hiking > experience with sore shoulders.  Get one that allows you to put most of the > pack weight on your hips and NOT your shoulders.  

... Important distinction ---> There are two kinds of "waist straps" available. The more common type, found on medium and larger packs is heavily padded and well shaped, and is intended to carry 90%+ of the pack's weight (the rest goes on the shoulders). The second type of waist strap, found on smaller packs, is a simple webbing strap with a Fastex-type buckle. This strap will not transfer any weight to the hips. Instead, it reduces pack sway while walking, and reduces pack shift while reaching, leaping, and swinging from branches. Another matter entirely is the sternum strap, which goes between the should straps ("harness"), and allows the wearer to adjust the feel of the harness as his shoulders get tired during a hiking day. It's worn a few inches below the Adams apple. I would recommend that any pack have some type of waist strap. If the purchaser gives up on hiking, he can always scissor off the unneeded strap. A sternum strap is a good investment of $3 or 5 as an add-on. -- Jeff ORBS Classifieds - Free outdoor classified ads     http://home.pacbell.net/orbs ORBS Escrow - Affordable safety for online buyers and sellers     http://home.pacbell.net/orbs/oe-homepage.html

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